Accessible Syllabus Template



San José State University

Department of Anthropology

Anth 12: Introduction to Human Evolution

Section 04, Fall 2011

| | |

|Instructor: |Ana Julia Casareto |

|Office Location: |Clark Hall 465 |

|Telephone: |(408) 924-5342 |

|Email: |TBA |

|Office Hours: |F 8:00am-10:00am |

|Class Days/Time: |T/Th 4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. |

|Classroom: |Clark 303 |

Course Description

This course introduces students to those biological aspects of humanity that classifies us as animals, mammals, primates, and humans. In the course of the semester, we will discuss the history of evolutionary thought, what led to the Darwin’s theory of natural and sexual selection, and why these theories are important in understanding human evolution. We will look at comparative skeletal and behavioural data that encapsulate us as primates and will use molecular and fossil data that, not only help us situate humans within the hominid line, but also provide a preliminary view of human culture. We will then briefly delve into the evolution of language and end our journey of human evolution on the human life cycle.

Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives

GE/SJSU Studies Learning Outcomes (LO), if applicable

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• LO1 use methods of science and knowledge derived from current scientific inquiry in life or physical science to question existing explanations;

• LO2 demonstrate ways in which science influences and is influenced by complex societies, including political and moral issues; and

• LO3 recognize methods of science, in which quantitative, analytical reasoning techniques are used.

Course Content Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Knowledge of the history of anthropological thought and its place in modern intellectual history.

2. Understanding of culture as the distinguishing phenomenon of human life, and the relationships of human biology and cultural processes in human behavior and evolution.

3. Knowledge of the significant findings of archaeology, cultural anthropology, and biological and/or physical anthropology, and familiarity of the important issues in each sub-discipline.

4. Awareness of human diversity and the ways in which humans categorize diversity.

5. Comprehension of migration, colonialism, and economic integration as significant phenomena shaping global society.

6. Awareness of the importance and value of anthropological knowledge in contemporary society, and the ability to apply it to social issues.

7. Knowledge of the research methods of the sub-disciplines of anthropology, and ability to apply appropriate research methods in at least one sub-discipline.

8. Ability to access various forms of anthropological data and literature.

9. Ability to present and communicate anthropological knowledge and the results of anthropological research to different audiences.

10. Knowledge of political and ethical implications of social research.

Classroom Protocol

Unless previously discussed with me, the use of electronics during class time is prohibited (you can check your voice and e-mails after class). Reading newspapers or any other type of literature not associated with Anthropology 12 will not be tolerated; thus, refrain from doing so during class.

Sleeping in class is also not allowed. If you cannot stay awake, please leave quietly; however, you are responsible (not me) for any material covered in class.

Required Texts/Readings

Textbook

Stanford, Craig et al. Biological Anthropology, 2nd edition

ISBN 10: 0-13-814586-5

ISBN 13: 978-0-13-814586-6

Other Readings (online readings of selected chapters)

Deacon, TW (1997) Symbolic Species

Assignments and Grading Policy

• Readings: Read the chapters before coming to class.

• Assignments: There are three (3) take-home assignments, each of which will consist of 500 words minimum. All writing assignments must be turned in via before (not during or after) class begins on the scheduled due date. Do not e-mail me any assignment whatsoever. E-mailed assignments will not be opened, read, or graded = did not turn in assignment = WARNING! See below!

Topics will be discussed in detail in class and are designed to address the GE learning objectives. Writing assignments will be graded in accordance to GE guidelines, which states that “writing shall be assessed for grammar, clarity, conciseness and coherence.” Writing assignments cannot be re-written after they have been graded.

WARNING: Failure to turn in any of the writing will result in an F in the class, regardless of achievement on other portions of the course (this is a university policy on GE courses).

• Late work: ALL written assignments are due at the beginning of class (at the time class starts, ot the middle or the end). Any work submitted after the time class starts will be deducted a 1/4 of a point (not a whole point, but a 1/4) for every day it is late for a maximum of a full 1% being deducted. Late work will not be accepted after the fourth consecutive day from due date and will result in a 0% for that assignment.

• Make-up Work: If you know in advance that you should be unable to attend an exam, contact me to set up a time to take the exam prior to its scheduled date. Only students with a valid documented excuse will be able to take a make-up the midterm, final exam, or submit a late writing assignment.

• Exams: Midterm & Comprehensive Final on Scantron T&E 0200); exam material will be from lecture and from the readings.

Grading Policy and Procedures: To pass this course, you must receive a final grade of D- or higher.

The final semester grade will be based on the following (each is graded on a scale of 100):

|Writing Assignment 1 |1 X 5% |= |5% |

|Writing Assignment 2 |1 X 10% |= |10% |

|Writing Assignment 3 |1 X 15% |= |15% |

|Midterm |1 X 30% |= |30% |

|Comprehensive Final |1 X 40% |= |40% |

|Total | | |100% |

Grading is as followed:

|A |B |C |D |F |

|97% - 100% = A+ |87-89% = B+ |77-79% = C+ |67-69% = D+ |Below 60% = F |

|91-96% = A |81-86% = B |71-76% = C |61-66% = D | |

|90% = A- |80% = B- |70% = C- |60% = D- | |

Make-up Work: If you know in advance that you should be unable to attend an exam, contact me to set up a time to take the exam prior to its scheduled date. Only students with a valid documented excuse will be able to take a make-up the midterm, final exam, or submit a late writing assignment.

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop, grade forgiveness, etc.

University Policies

Academic integrity

Your commitment as a student to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University. The University’s Academic Integrity policy, located at , requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical Development website is available at .

Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on exams or plagiarism (presenting the work of another as your own, or the use of another person’s ideas without giving proper credit) will result in a failing grade and sanctions by the University. For this class, all assignments are to be completed by the individual student unless otherwise specified. If you would like to include your assignment or any material you have submitted, or plan to submit for another class, please note that SJSU’s Academic Policy S07-2 requires approval of instructors.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at to establish a record of their disability.

Student Technology Resources (Optional)

Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin Luther King Library.

A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless microphones, projection screens and monitors.

Learning Assistance Resource Center (Optional)

The Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) is located in Room 600 in the Student Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their full academic potential and to inspire them to become independent learners. The Center's tutors are trained and nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). They provide content-based tutoring in many lower division courses (some upper division) as well as writing and study skills assistance. Small group, individual, and drop-in tutoring are available. Please visit the LARC website for more information at .

SJSU Writing Center (Optional)

The SJSU Writing Center is located in Room 126 in Clark Hall. It is staffed by professional instructors and upper-division or graduate-level writing specialists from each of the seven SJSU colleges. Our writing specialists have met a rigorous GPA requirement, and they are well trained to assist all students at all levels within all disciplines to become better writers. The Writing Center website is located at .

Peer Mentor Center (Optional)

The Peer Mentor Center is located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall in the Academic Success Center. The Peer Mentor Center is staffed with Peer Mentors who excel in helping students manage university life, tackling problems that range from academic challenges to interpersonal struggles. On the road to graduation, Peer Mentors are navigators, offering “roadside assistance” to peers who feel a bit lost or simply need help mapping out the locations of campus resources. Peer Mentor services are free and available on a drop –in basis, no reservation required. The Peer Mentor Center website is located at

Anthropology 12: Introduction to Human Evolution

Fall 2011

T/Th 4:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

Schedule is subject to change. I will make the announcement in class and on the website.

Table 1 Course Schedule

|Week |Date |Topics, Readings, Assignments, Deadlines |

|1 |08/25/11 |Class introduction and administrative announcements |

| | |Anthropology: history and the importance of evolution |

|2 |08/30/11 |The fact of evolution and the theory of natural selection |

| | | |

| |09/1/11 |Evolutionary fallacies and the revolutionary impact of the discovery of genes |

|3 |09/6/11 |Molecular basis of evolution and organism function |

| | | |

| |09/8/11 |Evolution from a gene’s perspective |

|4 |09/13/11 |Writing assignment #1 due: Evolution as Science |

| | |Evolution of sex and death |

| |09/15/11 | |

| | |Gene Evolution |

|5 |09/20/11 |Sexual selection & kin selection |

| | | |

| |09/21/11 |Parenting ecology and social organization |

|6 |09/27/11 |Taxonomy and distribution of primates |

| | | |

| |09/29/11 |Primates: Evolutionary origins and prosimians |

|7 |10/4/11 |Primates: Monkeys and apes |

| | | |

| |10/6/11 |Primate locomotion, feeding ecology, and social systems |

|8 |10/11/11 |Writing assignment #2 due): Genetically Engineered Foods |

| | |Great apes: Orangutans, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Bonobos |

| |10/13/11 | |

| | |Midterm Exam (in class) |

|9 |10/18/11 |Apes to Australopithecines |

| | | |

| |10/20/11 |Tools and the origins of the genus Homo |

|10 |10/25/11 |Homo erectus to Neanderthals |

| | | |

| |10/27/11 |Evolution of Homo sapiens |

|11 |11/1/11 |Appearance of anatomically modern humans |

| | | |

| |11/3/11 |Evolution of modern human diversity |

|12 |11/8/11 |Writing assignment #3 due: The Problem of Intelligence |

| | |Brain size evolution and the concept of intelligence |

| |11/10/11 | |

| | |Basic anatomy and functional organization of the brain |

|13 |11/15/11 |How brains develop |

| | | |

| |11/17/11 |Nature times nurture: Plasticity and sensitive periods |

|14 |11/22/11 |Language and the brain |

| | | |

| |11/24/11 |Hormones and sexual differentiation of body and brain |

|15 |11/29/11 |Deviations of human physiology: reproduction, birth, puberty |

| | | |

| |12/1/11 |Deviations of human life history: maturation, menopause, and secular trends |

|16 |12/6/11 |Review or maladaptation lecture: TBA |

|Final Exam | |Venue and Time |

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